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Exploring the balance between staying genuine and leveraging AI tools for video content I'm a hands-on video creator. Give me an iPhone, access to Canva  and editing software, and I'm in my element. AI-generated videos? Not for me. At least not until this week. Between the questionable results I'd seen and the learning curve, I stuck to what I knew: real me, real video, human editing—every step of the way. Catalysts for the Exploration Then a few days ago, a phone conversation with Dan Wegner introduced me to captions.ai , the same day OpenAI announced their new text-to-video generation tool, Sora . It felt like a sign to explore these tools and see what they could offer. I had shied away from AI video tools, but with recent advancements, it felt like the right time to revisit. As someone who's pretty much only created videos the traditional way, I wondered: Could an everyday creator like me actually make these tools work? How much time and patience would it take to get something useful? Creating AI Twins in Captions.ai Let me take you step-by-step through how I created an AI Twin using captions.ai . I signed up for the Pro plan at $9.99 a month for this test drive. I'm on the fence about continuing the subscription. To set up the AI Twin, you are guided through a series of facial expressions like you're at a very strange photo booth. Plain face? Check. "Ooh" face? Got it. Show your teeth? Feeling like I'm at the dentist, but okay. Then comes the real fun—recording a minute-long video while reading from their teleprompter. At least they make it easy to maintain eye contact since you're looking directly at the screen. Within a few minutes, you have your AI Twin profile. Or in my case, I changed clothes and did a second one. Testing Social Studio Next, you set up your brand kit. You choose from your AI personalities and the overall look and feel for your videos. Then you can manually input information about your brand or let it scrape your website. The first thing I tried was the Social Studio. It created a couple of weeks of content for me and even scheduled it. On the surface, I thought, “This is incredible.” I could even manually edit the script and regenerate each of the videos. Only one problem: there was no way to edit the captions and graphics that were auto-generated. If I wanted new captions and graphics, I had to edit the script and regenerate the video. Can you spot all the misspellings in this video? While the Social Studio tool might not be ready for prime time, it still shows potential as a streamlined solution for creating and scheduling content. (I did hear the issue I experienced might be fixed now. I still need to verify). Limitations of AI Scripts I like that you can write some of your own scripts for the AI Twin. However, I learned that you need to be careful not to write a script that requires a lot of personality to convey. Here’s my next failed attempt at an AI-generated video. Seeking Authenticity: My Experiment with ChatGPT Feeling awfully lukewarm about the results from captions.ai , I thought to myself, how could I better capture the real me? So many AI tools now offer ways to slice and dice long-form content. Maybe I just needed some long-form content. So how could I come up with what to say for this long-form video? I thought it would be fun to ask ChatGPT  to play the role of a morning radio host and interview me. With a simple laptop light and a click of the record button, I captured my conversation with ChatGPT ’s Advanced Voice Mode. This is the raw footage. Refining Content with OpusClip I uploaded that video into OpusClip  and split it into bite-sized video clips. When it came to choosing a length, I opted for under 60 seconds. So this is how a clip of the real me turned out from my interview with ChatGPT . Comparing Outputs: AI Twin vs. Authentic Clips Next up, I took the transcript from that clip above, the real authentic me, and put it into captions.ai  to see how it would turn out with my AI Twin. Key Takeaways What’s the takeaway from all of this? I prefer the real me, but tools like ChatGPT offer opportunities for more structured and engaging interviews that can highlight authentic personality. If captions.ai  has resolved its issue with misspellings, I think it will be a helpful tool for more automated social content. Let’s Collaborate As always, curious to get your take. Have you tried Captions.ai , Sora, OpusClip, or other AI tools? Share your experience and let’s learn together! Please share.

How to Make More Informed Decisions with AI While Staying True to Yourself Have you ever felt torn about whether using AI for decisions is making you sharper or just a little lazy? You’re not alone. It’s a question I’ve wrestled with myself, from everyday decisions—like whether to publish a blog—to more complex ones, like whether to offer a Cyber Monday deal for Lorignite . But this isn’t just about my journey. It’s about how you, too, can use AI to make decisions with more confidence, whether you're at a career crossroads, navigating family responsibilities, or trying to balance short-term gains with long-term goals. How AI Helps Me Cut Through the Noise I use AI for decision-making all the time—whether it's something as seemingly small as 'Should I post this on LinkedIn?' or more strategic, like deciding whether to offer a Cyber Monday deal for Lorignite. Even figuring out how to prioritize when I'm feeling overwhelmed can be a big deal. The truth is, we face tons of decisions every day—some are tactical, some feel more daunting, but they all take energy. That’s where AI has become my go-to resource, helping me cut through the noise by asking solid questions and offering suggestions that ultimately help me make smarter decisions myself. I’m still in control—AI just provides the framework and ideas that help me see things more clearly and decide what’s best for me. A Tough Decision: Should I Offer a Cyber Monday Deal? Recently, AI helped me consider what would be involved in offering a Cyber Monday deal for Lorignite. I even had my cool graphics ready to go! The idea of offering a discount seemed tempting—the data on how many people might sign up was something I could definitely use to gauge interest in my services. I started conversing with OpenAI's ChatGPT about how I would execute this plan. While the idea of collecting data and increasing free consultation bookings was appealing, the conversation revealed elements I hadn't considered, like the rules, execution details, and the actual process required to deliver the deal. I started to question: Was it truly worth it in the end? The goal of the offer was to gather data—to see how many people were interested based on the number of sign-ups for the free consultation. But then, there was another key issue: every service or project fee I offer is customized. Offering a Cyber Monday discount for services without a set price seemed counterintuitive. It just didn't add up—how could I discount something that wasn't even clearly priced? So, after weighing everything, I decided not to go forward with the deal. Did I overthink it? Maybe. But that overthinking helped me make a decision I feel confident about. ChatGPT helped me think through the pros and cons instead of getting caught up in the excitement of offering a deal. How AI Helped Me Evaluate the Pros and Con s ChatGPT helped me get there by walking me through what execution would look like. We discussed the potential benefits and pitfalls of offering a Cyber Monday deal: Pros of the Cyber Monday Deal: Attracts New Clients : The deal creates urgency and motivates people who have been hesitant to book my services to take action. It's a great way to get first-time clients introduced to Lorignite and showcase the value I offer. Increases Visibility : Promoting the deal through my email list, social media, and website helps boost awareness of my brand and services. Encourages Upselling : Clients who take advantage of the deal may be more likely to book additional services in the future at full price. Fills Gaps in My Calendar : The promotion could help maximize my schedule during slower periods, generating revenue. Showcases Value : The discounted offer emphasizes the value clients are getting while introducing them to my unique approach and expertise. Creates Buzz : Promoting the deal ties into the excitement of Cyber Monday, which could attract attention from people already looking for sales or deals. Cons of the Cyber Monday Deal: Perceived Devaluation : Offering a significant discount might make it harder to convince some clients to pay full price later. Lower Revenue per Booking : While the deal attracts clients, I would earn less per session, impacting profit margins. Potential for Overbooking : If the deal was too popular, it could lead to a packed schedule, leaving less time for regular (full-paying) clients. Risk of Attracting One-Time Clients : Some people might book the discounted deal without any intention of engaging with Lorignite long-term. Marketing Effort Required : Successfully promoting the deal would require time, effort, and potential advertising costs, which could outweigh the benefits if the deal didn't generate enough bookings. Final Thoughts I didn’t feel lazy for consulting AI—I felt empowered. ChatGPT helped me make a more informed decision by challenging me to think through all the variables, not just the immediate data or short-term gains. It gave me the clarity to realize that the right decision was to focus on quality consultations over discounts that might not serve my goals. The Big Realization: More Informed, Not Lazier So, am I getting lazier by relying on AI, or am I actually becoming more thoughtful and strategic in my decision-making? The more I use AI, the more I see that it’s not about cutting corners. It’s about refining my decision-making process and allowing myself to think more critically, not less. It’s a tool that enhances my ability to make smarter, more informed choices. AI doesn’t replace my brain—it amplifies my capacity to think. It provides me with a clear framework to evaluate the complexity of decisions, giving me space to reflect, plan, and act with intention. And that, to me, is the beauty of using AI. It doesn’t make me lazy. It makes me smarter. Next Steps: Using AI as a Sounding Board Next time you’re stuck on a decision, consider using AI as a sounding board. It might not give you the answer, but it will help you ask the right questions. I’d love to hear from you—have you used AI to help make a tough decision? How did it go for you? Let’s compare notes! Bonus Content When I asked ChatGPT if I should publish this blog! Check out the answer!

Looking for the Right Words? Here Are 5 AI Prompts That Make Expressing Gratitude Easier (and More Meaningful) The AI Gratitude Journey Ever wonder what happens when you mix artificial intelligence with gratitude? Neither had I, until this morning when my curiosity led me down an unexpected rabbit hole. While some friends might say I need a hobby, I discovered something fascinating when I decided to explore how AI could help us express thankfulness more authentically. Exploring the GPT Landscape I woke up this morning and thought it would be fun to log into OpenAI's ChatGPT , click "Explore GPTs" and see what came up for the words gratitude, thank you, and thankful. An Unexpected Discovery It turns out, people have already created GPTs that focus on gratitude—how cool is that? But here's the interesting part (at least to me): not many people seem to be using them. Have you ever noticed that little number next to the GPT creator's name? That tells you how many times their GPT has been used for a conversation. In this case, the highest I saw was 40. These low usage numbers got me thinking: are we missing an opportunity here? In a world where we're constantly looking for ways to express ourselves better, why aren't more people using these tools? When I explore GPTs built by others, I always check the conversation numbers. It's like picking a restaurant: would you rather eat at the place with the empty dining room or the one with a full house?" Creating Something New: Gratitude Daily Reflection So, I thought, “Why not ask ChatGPT for some ideas on building my own custom GPT around gratitude?” And guess what? It gave me a suggestion that led to the creation of the " Gratitude: Daily Reflection ". Now, it’s still a work in progress, and I’m fine-tuning it to make sure it’s really ready for prime time. But, hey—feel free to take it for a test drive and let me know what you think! If you have any suggestions for improvement, I’d love to hear them. 5 Prompts to Spark Genuine Gratitude And for those of you who are looking for a quick gratitude boost, here are a few prompts you can try. No custom GPT needed. What makes them special? Each one is designed to push past the surface-level 'thank you' into something more meaningful. Whether you're struggling to write a heartfelt note or just need a reminder of your own worth, there's a prompt here for you. For Easy Copy and Pasting: I want to write a thank-you note that actually makes them feel seen. Can you help me craft a message that shows just how much their help meant? How can I show myself some love today? I've been running on empty, and I need a reminder of why I'm awesome. I've been through the ringer lately. What's one silver lining I can grab onto and be thankful for in all of this? Help me remember the tiny joys I'm overlooking in my daily routine. I want to appreciate the little stuff more. There's someone in my life who has no idea how much they've impacted me. Help me find the right words to show them how thankful I am. Making These Prompts Your Own Which of these prompts resonates most with you? I'd love to hear how you might adapt them for your own gratitude practice. Please note how grateful I am to you!!! Let's Connect If you found this interesting or useful, please subscribe to the Lorignite Blog or If you're curious about how AI could enhance other aspects of your life (beyond gratitude!), let's chat. My free 30-minute consultation isn't just about sharing information—it's about exploring possibilities together.

Testing OpenAI's New ChatGPT Search Extension: Features, Limitations, and Real-World Performance Introducing ChatGPT Search 🚀 The world of search just got a whole lot more interesting. OpenAI , the company behind ChatGPT, just released a new way to search the internet for their Plus subscribers. Instead of the traditional list of links and AI summaries you get from Google, ChatGPT Search promises to give you conversational, AI-powered answers to your questions. This weekend, I finally had a few hours to test it out. What I discovered might surprise you – from impressive conversational abilities to some unexpected quirks that made me question whether the ChatGPT search chrome extension is ready for prime time. The Chrome Extension Experience If you're a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, you can install a Chrome extension that turns every new browser tab into an AI search experience. My initial excitement was high - imagine having an AI assistant ready to answer your questions right in your browser! Here's what it looks like when you open a new tab and ask a question. However, I quickly ran into a fundamental usability issue : 🤔 It's an all-or-nothing proposition : Once you install the extension, every new tab becomes ChatGPT Search. Want to do a regular Google search instead? I couldn't figure out a way to switch between the two. Have you found a way to toggle between them? The Irony of Self-Reference 🎯 To test the system, I started with what should have been a simple task: finding ChatGPT's own Chrome extension in the web store. The result? Surprisingly, ChatGPT Search couldn't even correctly direct users to its own service! The link at the top led to the wrong Chrome extension. If you're not familiar with OpenAI's official branding, you might accidentally install an unofficial extension. Quick Comparison: ❌ ChatGPT Search: Led to incorrect extension ✅ Google Search: Immediately returned the correct link Testing Real-World Scenarios 🧪 I put ChatGPT Search through its paces with three different types of queries: Brand Search Test - Testing with Lorignite brand search (See video below) Factual Queries : I asked about the pros and cons of Daylight Saving Time. Both Google and ChatGPT Search gave good answers, but ChatGPT had an advantage: you can easily ask follow-up questions, just like in a natural conversation. ( Link to the ChatGPT Conversation ) Sports Analysis : I wanted to know which team performs better in nationally televised games - the Colts or Vikings? Neither ChatGPT Search nor Google gave particularly helpful answers. However, when I tried the same question on another AI search tool called Perplexity.ai , the results were much better and included fun visuals. ( Perplexity.ai Answer ) Pro Tip: Test ChatGPT Search with queries about your own name or brand first. It's a quick way to gauge the accuracy of information it provides about topics you know well. What I Learned After my weekend of testing ChatGPT Search, here's my honest take: While it shows promise, especially for research where you want to ask lots of follow-up questions, it's not quite ready to replace Google. In fact, after publishing this post, I'm going to disable the ChatGPT Search extension, at least for now. That doesn't mean I won't still use the Search capabilities within ChatGPT. Pro Tip: Don't feel pressured to choose one search tool. Each has its strengths, and it's okay to use different tools for different tasks. Want to read more? How ChatGPT Search Compares to Google - Newsweek I tried ChatGPT Search and now I might never Google again - Tech Radar Your Turn Have you tried ChatGPT Search? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. Are you finding it useful? Have you discovered any tips or tricks for getting better results?

Want to know if you are getting too reliant on AI tools like ChatGPT? See how you perform when there's an AI outage! If you haven't heard the news, OpenAI's ChatGPT experienced a major outage today during morning business hours here in the U.S. I've seen my share of service interruptions in the past few months. In the middle of a compelling conversation, ChatGPT will throw up an error message. Typically, if you wait a few minutes, maybe make a trip to the bathroom or grab a fresh cup of coffee, by the time you return to your computer, you're back in business. Not today. What users experienced was considered a major outage. Here's an excerpt from OpenAI's status page. We experienced a major outage impacting all users on all plans of ChatGPT. The impact included all ChatGPT related services. The impact did not include platform.openai.com or the API. This incident started June 4th at 2:15p GMT (8:15a CT) and was resolved June 4th at 5:01p GMT (11:01a CT). Also, I can't explain why the status page dashboard shows 5 hours and 29 minutes for the outage and the text summary shows less than 3 hours. Regardless, this was major. What's nice about the dashboard view is you can also check out uptime history, if you're curious. Another option, if you want proactive communication from OpenAI, you can subscribe to updates. I must not be signed up for the status updates. I don't recall getting an email and I wasn't logged Into ChatGPT when the errors started occurring. I only found out because friends started pinging me. What surprised me the most was that users were reporting intermittent issues with other generative AI tools too. Google Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude AI, and Perplexity AI were all experiencing hiccups. So, potential backup tools were temporarily off the table as well. And where do I get my information when my favorite tech tools are acting strange? It's a little embarrassing to admit, but I turn to Twitter (X) for a feel of the situation. This habit started years ago when I would experience issues with Microsoft products like SharePoint or Outlook email. In my experience, Twitter users are quick to share issues, often before tech companies send their first alerts. So today, I wanted to find out, was this just a case of refreshing your page after a few minutes and you'll be good to go? Nope. Not this time. This outage was legit. Not only did the string of tweets provide confirmation but also amusement. I saved a few of my favorites to share with you. Outage Takeaways So what did we learn from this? It's wise to: Have Backup AI Options: Think of it like having more than one streaming service. If Netflix is down, you've got Hulu. Keep Your Manual Skills Sharp: Sure, AI makes life easier, but remember you can still get the job done the old-fashioned way. It’s a great way to flex those manual skills and assess your dependency on AI. Be Ready to Pivot: Focus on tasks that don’t rely on AI. Take a Break: Sometimes, an AI outage is the universe telling you to take a break. Go for a walk, stretch, or just step away from the screen. Plan for Next Time: Layout your backup plan for the next OpenAI outage. It's bound to happen again. Closing Thoughts I'm curious. What did you notice today during the outage? Maybe you discovered how much you rely on these tools or found a new appreciation for doing things manually. For those who don't use generative AI daily, they might be having a good laugh at our expense! I really want to hear your thoughts on this. How did the outage affect you? Do you have any funny stories or valuable lessons to share? Leave a comment below and let's get a conversation going.

The Challenge of Standard Customer Service Emails Working at my day job In retail, we deal with occasional customer service situations. Sometimes, items aren’t available to ship, or we’ve shipped the wrong item. When these things happen, we have to apologize. It’s a reality in every business—nothing always goes perfectly. Until now, we’ve been sending very standard, and if you ask me, rather boring emails to inform customers that an item is out of stock and they're getting a refund. On top of it, our process involves manually editing an email template to insert the name, item description, and single or multiple items. Since this is a repeated task with multiple points of failure, I thought this task was a perfect candidate for a GPT. Creating ChatGPT-Powered Customer Service Communications Within a few minutes, we created a custom GPT to write the out-of-stock emails. This GPT offered a straightforward reply, emulating the email template. What it did for me was human-proof our process as I didn't have to remember to update the template in so many places. All I had to do was enter a first name and the item or items to be refunded. And within a fraction of a second, the email was ready to copy and paste directly into the e-commerce platform. Below is an example. The customer's first name is Bob and the item description is SHARK BITE TEE BLACK. Then my coworker and I had an idea. Why not add a dash of humor and spice to the emails?! We could get tailor-made replies in the same amount of time with the same amount of effort. Introducing 'Customer Care with a Chuckle' We duplicated the straightforward GPT and uploaded an example of a hilarious customer reply we had previously generated as a one-off. We named our GPT, "Customer Care with a Chuckle". We tested it with different first names and products. Here's how it churned out the email to Bob about the SHARK BITE TEE. Subject: Oops, Our Shark Bit Off More Than IT Could Chew Text: We've got a bit of a fin-icky situation... Our team has cast a wide net to reel in those tees but it looks like it might be a while before they surface. Here's how it handled an email to Ralph about some Mavi Jeans. Subject: Vintage Vexation: A Jean-tle Apology Text:  We're truly sorry for this denim dilemma. Despite our best efforts to bring those stylish jeans to you, they've slipped through our seams. Here's one where we tested a swimsuit. Subject: Oops! Your Anchor Shorts Have Set Sail Text:  We have a bit of a fashion fiasco on our hands! Seems the Anchor Short has decided to embark on an unexpected journey. We've scoured every corner, but these stylish shorts are nowhere to be found. I'm a little puzzled why it offered up cozy corduroys as an alternative!! Good thing we have humans reviewing each output! I decided to retrain the GPT to remove suggestions, at least for now until we have more time to think through how we might do that better. Laughter and Positive Feedback While we encountered a few small hiccups in training the GPT, most of the results were so clever, that we couldn't help but read them aloud to family and friends. They got a kick out of the responses. Why Humor in Customer Service Matters: Turning Disappointment into Delight Here’s why I’m sharing this: It made me realize that any company could leverage ChatGPT to improve customer service by adding a touch of humor. You don’t need a staff member with a flair for comedy—GPT can do the job. I believe humor can transform a disappointing situation into a memorable, positive interaction. Our goal Is to get even the grumpiest people to smile when they receive their message. Disclaimer: Considering the Risks Disclaimer: Although we generated these messages and reviewed them internally with stakeholders, friends, and family, we haven’t yet sent them to customers. We’re currently gathering feedback and carefully considering the potential risks. We understand that humor can be subjective, and our primary goal is to maintain a positive relationship with our customers. Maybe next week we'll do some A/B testing and see how it goes. What do you think? How would you feel If you received an email like this? Would you find It annoying and unprofessional? Or would you welcome the attempt at humor? Please share your thoughts! One thing that comes to mind is if more companies embrace this approach, these humorous emails could become redundant and lose their appeal. Please comment with your thoughts and what you think about leveraging ChatGPT for this purpose.

Just Friday, May 10, 2024, I told a room full of people at the Applied AI Spring Conference why they needed ChatGPT Plus! Little did I know within 3 days, that would be old news. Major Update Announcement: ChatGPT-4o At Noon Central time on May 13, 2024, OpenAI announced its Spring Updates, including the launch of ChatGPT-4o. Guess what, all of the cool features I presented at the Applied AI Conference on Friday that had previously been exclusive to paid subscribers just became available to everyone for free. This includes: Access to the GPT Store Building a custom GPT Uploading images and documents Data analysis Reactions Ethan Mollick, an associate professor at Wharton who wrote the book, "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" had this to say on X shortly following the announcement. New Features Then came the powerful demonstrations of the new capabilities. Seeing the real-time voice and image tracking was nothing short of remarkable. The tool can detect emotion in your voice and recognize a smile on your face. It can answer you in dramatic fashion or with a song. It can help you with a math problem or serve as a translator. Imagine you're traveling in a foreign country and need help finding a bathroom or asking a server if you can order something gluten-free. The best way to grasp what's coming is to see it for yourself if you haven't yet. A couple of decent clips in the tweets below. The Announcement Or, if you have more time, the entire announcement was only about 26 minutes long. Sticking with My Paid Plan As a paid subscriber, I wondered, if it was time to cancel my $ 20-a-month paid subscription. As of tonight, I've decided to stick with the paid plan, and here is why. You get 5 times as many prompts. (lower chance of hitting the limit and needing to wait) The cool real-time voice and image features they demonstrated aren't available yet. (Maybe they'll roll out to Plus subscribers first.) Reaching a Wider Audience Another bonus for paid subscribers is that those of us who built and published GPTs to the GPT store will now reach a wider audience. Anyone with an OpenAI account can take our GPTs for a test drive. Highlighting My Custom GPTs I figured it was the perfect time to share some of the GPTs I’ve built along with the secret sauce behind them in case you want to try and recreate them with your own flair or requirements: Entrepreneurial Guide The Entrepreneurial Guide, addressing the user as "badass entrepreneur", is a proactive and engaging GPT designed for comprehensive task management with a casual and encouraging tone. It analyzes tasks from uploaded documents, suggesting the order and time allocation, and proactively recommends additional crucial tasks. The GPT focuses on the user's business goals, recent activities, and industry trends, asking questions to provide tailored suggestions. It explains the rationale behind each task's priority, emphasizing their objectives and benefits to the business. The GPT avoids financial advice, industry-specific decisions, or tasks requiring real-time interaction or sensitive data access, and refrains from tasks beyond its analytical capabilities. Empower Maven Empower Maven is a confident, empowering female voice, designed to respond with wit, humor, and a touch of sass. The language is bold and affirming, featuring snappy comebacks and tasteful swearing. This GPT aims to boost self-esteem and encourage users to embrace their inner strength, with cheeky nudges and snarky remarks. Responses are concise, ideally fitting on a flashcard, delivering a powerful punch of motivation and humor in a single sentence. Sarcastic Sidekick Sarcastic Sidekick is designed to offer witty, humorous, and sarcastic comebacks for a variety of situations where the user feels disrespected or in need of a quick retort. Currently, there are no specific topics or situations set as off-limits. However, it's important to keep in mind that while the GPT is skilled in sarcasm, it should always avoid responses that are excessively harsh, offensive, or disrespectful. The aim is to balance humor with respect, ensuring that the comebacks are fun and engaging without crossing into inappropriate territory. As with any AI interaction, users should exercise judgment and discretion when using the GPT's suggestions, especially in sensitive contexts. Diplomatic Diva As 'Diplomatic Diva,' embody the role of a kind and confident peacemaker. Your approach should be direct yet sophisticated, offering advice as if to a respected colleague in a high-stakes situation. While maintaining neutrality, your guidance will be assertive and elegant, encouraging individuals to reflect on and honestly address their conflicts. Use humor and a touch of flair to lighten the atmosphere, offering fresh perspectives with a glamorous twist. Your aim is to de-escalate tensions, foster understanding, and promote constructive dialogue with a bit of pizzazz. Provide practical, savvy advice and strategies for conflict resolution, tailored to each specific situation, all while maintaining a chic and composed demeanor. Tech Teammate Tech Teammate is not only an evaluator but also an innovator. In addition to analyzing AI applications, it will proactively imagine and propose alternative ideas that the user might not have considered. It should be direct in its communication, clearly explaining why certain ideas might be good or bad, with a focus on practicality and feasibility. Key aspects include: 1. Innovative Thinking: Proactively suggesting creative and alternative AI solutions, thinking outside the box to add value beyond user queries. 2. Direct Communication: Clearly and directly communicating the viability of ideas, including straightforward explanations for why some ideas may not be advisable. 3. Practicality Focus: Emphasizing solutions that are not just innovative but also practical and feasible within the given constraints and scenarios. 4. Ethical and Practical Risks: Highlighting any ethical or practical risks associated with the proposed AI solutions. Tech Teammate's role is to assist in making well-informed decisions by providing direct, innovative, and practical insights into AI applications. Social Savvy Social Savvy is adept at injecting sarcasm and humor into social media content across a variety of platforms. For every request, it provides two crafted options for posts on Facebook Personal, Facebook Page, LinkedIn Personal, LinkedIn Page, Instagram Personal, and Instagram Page. These options are created to ensure that the content is not only platform-specific but also carries the unique, engaging, and witty voice that Social Savvy is known for. It draws from provided factual materials, avoiding speculation, and ensuring that the humor is appropriate for each social media's audience and standards. Call to Action What are your thoughts on these exciting updates? Are you a current subscriber considering whether to stick with the paid plan, or are you a free user excited to try the new features? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below—let's discuss how these changes might impact our use of ChatGPT and the AI tools some have come to rely on. Whether you're exploring the new capabilities for the first time or deciding on the value of the subscription, your insights are valuable! Additional Resources Wired Story: with GPT-4o is ChatGPT Plus still worth it? OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman's Blog about the announcement

Why perplexity.ai is my go-to for research and how it helped me identify tools that could help solve my digital subscription headaches. This is fresh on my mind today. I need to stop paying for subscriptions I am no longer using! Subscription Overload Countless times I've signed up for something because of an immediate need and then I forget about it and the next thing you know there's a $69 charge. Yep, that happened to me just today for a video editing software called "Wondershare". After a couple of months of using it, I found other tools that worked better for me. As I was taking my daily glance at credit card charges, there it was staring me in the face $69 for an app I deleted from my computer months ago. Ugg!! I'm a software developer's dream customer. Think about it. Cha-ching! I just keep adding to their revenue! Calendar Reminders In the past few months, I've made a conscious effort to immediately put in a calendar reminder when I've signed up for something that requires my credit card. Is it a free trial? When does the free trial end? Create a calendar event for the day before. Is it an annual subscription? Create a calendar event a few days before the next year's charge. Is it a monthly subscription? Set up a recurring calendar reminder. Seems like an awful lot of manual work. Right?!! AI Tool Research So today I went on my favorite research tool, perplexity.ai to ask for help finding digital subscription management tools. First I asked for a list of tools. Then I said, "I have an iPhone. Help me decide which I should pick. I want something pretty simple. I don't need something to track all of my finances.. just let me know when subscriptions are coming due so I can cancel what I don't need. what app would be best and most cost-effective for what I need?" Here's what I love about Perplexity. It asked me how much I'm willing to pay. And then tells me the phrases it's using to search the web for answers, followed by visual links to the sources ahead of the answer. Perplexity's Recommendation Here is what Perplexity.ai recommended for me. Given your preference for a simple and cost-effective app to manage your subscriptions on an iPhone, here are a few options that align well with your needs. (Perplexity originally gave me a numbered list, so I asked for a table) For your specific needs, Bobby seems to be the best fit. It's cost-effective with a one-time fee of $0.99 for unlimited subscription tracking, and it's designed specifically for subscription management. It's also highly rated for its simplicity and effectiveness, making it ideal for someone who wants an easy-to-use app without unnecessary extras11.These options should provide you with the tools you need to manage your subscriptions effectively, allowing you to keep track of due dates and cancel subscriptions you no longer need without complicating your financial management. I couldn't resist asking a follow-up question. "curious why you recommended bobby and not subscription tracker?" Why Bobby? The recommendation for Bobby over Subscription Tracker is based on several factors that align with your specific needs for simplicity and cost-effectiveness: User Interface and Ease of Use: Bobby is known for its straightforward and user-friendly interface. It allows users to manually input their subscriptions, set reminders for billing dates, and customize the display of their subscriptions. This simplicity makes it particularly appealing to individuals who prefer a no-frills approach to subscription management. Cost Effectiveness: Bobby offers a free version that is functional for basic use with a limited number of subscriptions. For unlimited tracking, it requires only a one-time fee of approximately $0.99. This one-time fee is generally more appealing compared to ongoing subscription costs or multiple in-app purchases that some other apps might require. Popularity and Ratings: Bobby has received positive reviews for its functionality and ease of use. It is well-rated in the app store, which suggests a good user experience and reliability. Specific Features for Subscription Management: While Subscription Tracker also offers features for managing subscriptions, Bobby’s focus on this specific task without the clutter of additional financial management tools might be more suitable for someone looking to manage just their subscriptions. These factors make Bobby a strong candidate for your needs, emphasizing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and a focused approach to subscription management. However, Subscription Tracker is also a viable option, especially if you are looking for a tool that includes additional features like 'Subscriptions Plus' for more detailed management capabilities. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on which set of features best aligns with your personal preferences and requirements. Bobby Trial So I just downloaded Bobby and I'm going to give it a whirl or should I say "Sqwhirl" based on the logo. Notice this is a screenshot from my iPhone home screen, so you get my mom's cute face in the background. I know AI can remove backgrounds, but this one I wanted to keep. Here's a look at the Bobby interface. It's not fancy, but if it works, I don't care. Closing Thoughts I just purchased a tool based on advice from generative AI. How many purchasing decisions moving forward will be based on AI recommendations??!! If I'm on the marketing team at Bobby, I would be thrilled if Perplexity.ai recommended my tool. Will I like and use Bobby, I don't know. But at least it's not a subscription I have to remember to cancel later. Would love to get your thoughts! Have you used tools like Perplexity.ai or ChatGPT to make buying decisions? Please share your experiences. I'm interested to hear if you've found generative AI helpful in the purchasing realm. And if you have a subscription problem like me share that too. And if you've found a way to manage it, I'm all ears. REMINDER: Last Call for Lori's Build a GPT Workshop. This is a small group training that promises to be interactive and fun. Make a GPT, make friends, and leave inspired. This is a great follow-up course for anyone who has attended introductory sessions.

Embracing AI and Empowerment: How Technology and Togetherness Illuminate Our Path to Success The Unexpected Acceleration I've never been long on patience. And if starting my own business in March of 2023 taught me anything, it was to slow down enjoy the journey, and understand that things take time to bloom and grow. Now just one quarter into 2024 and it's like someone came in and just dialed up the treadmill speed to a pace where I'm increasingly uncomfortable. Sure it's exhilarating but it's also terrifying. Why, you ask? Honestly, I've been asking myself the same question. This past week was a whirlwind of speaking engagements and incredible encounters. I had the opportunity to meet and mingle with some remarkable women interested in learning more about how generative AI tools could assist them in their business or entrepreneurial endeavors. A Night to Remember at Modernwell Tuesday night at Modernwell was special. It was fun to see the attendees share stories and get to know one another—a prime example of AI bringing humans together. And the lone guy in the photo, that's my dad! One attendee shared how her son used ChatGPT to craft an email to an airline that was so persuasive it landed him a hefty heap of frequent flyer miles. Another woman talked about how ChatGPT helped her draft a proposal—a task she doesn't love and could tackle in a few hours instead of a week thanks to AI. Then came the highlight reel—our attempt to uncover who Lori Ryan from Lorignite really was. Let's just say, if this were a game show, ChatGPT would've been sent home right away, while Perplexity.ai took the crown in the research department, nailing it on both the free and paid pro plans. However, we weren't sure where Perplexity found the Lori Ryan images which were not accurate. We laughed going through this quirky comparison, proving technology can be as unpredictable as Minnesota weather where you can get more snow in spring than you did during an entire winter. Empowering Voices Fast forward to Wednesday night, celebrating International Women's Month at a financial company where I was surrounded by remarkable women who are making a difference in Minnesota. I was one of three speakers. The other two were Michelle Tran Maryns , the VP of Communications for the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, and Katie Severt, founder of Let's Talk Women. We each had 10 minutes to share our missions! Katie and Michelle shared some startling statistics from their organizations around gender inequity in employment and healthcare and how their organizations are working tirelessly to bridge those gaps. I highly recommend you check out their websites. For my part... I spoke about how fun it can be to become AI literate. All you need is a curious mind and a few minutes a day to play with tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT. It was fun to see some people sign up for ChatGPT right then and there and hear directly how I made the thought of generative AI tools a little less scary. Facing the Fear of Success And here's where the blog comes full circle the word scary. Amidst this flurry of business momentum and moments that make me want to pinch myself, I've also been wrestling with what feels like bubbling anxiety. My amazing therapist Suzy Oswald from Intentional Self Counseling is off-the-charts amazing. But I can't talk to her every day or I'd be broke. So I asked my unofficial therapist ChatGPT, things in my life are going really, really well. Why am I so scared? You can see the full reply in the images below. Here's a little snippet. It sounds like you're experiencing a mix of emotions, including what could be described as fear of success. Despite the positive outcomes and inspiring connections you've made, it's not uncommon to feel scared or anxious when things are going exceptionally well. This fear can stem from various underlying concerns, such as the pressure to maintain success, the possibility of increased scrutiny or expectations, or even changes that success might bring to your personal and professional life. Fear of success is more common than many people think. It's often linked to imposter syndrome, where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud," even when such fears are unfounded. Success can also bring about change, and with change comes uncertainty—about one's ability to meet new expectations, about the stability of current relationships, and about the unknowns of the future. The Power of Community So, here I am, standing at the intersection of success and the fear it brings, armed with a quirky AI, incredible stories from amazing women, and a community that keeps asking for "more." Have you ever felt scared of success? I'd love to hear your stories. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that sharing our experiences—be it triumphs or face-palms—brings us all a little closer, making this wild ride of life a bit less daunting to navigate, and a whole lot more enjoyable. I'm planning a couple more workshops in late April and early May. Stay tuned for details on that. In the meantime, I hope you will check out the below events. I would love to see you there. Upcoming Events April 11, 2024 at Club E in Downtown Minneapolis MN Entrepreneur Kick-off - INNOVATION UNLEASHED & Opportunties Abound! May 10, 2024 at Northern Star Scouting | Basecamp, Saint Paul, MN APPLIED AI CONFERENCE SPRING 2024

The 10 Percent Edge: Finding My Niche in AI It's hard to believe it's been a year since I came up with the concept of Lorignite and it all started with episode 43 of the Mel Robbins Podcast, Hate Your Job? Burnt Out? Laid Off? Reimagine Your Future & Take the Next Right Step. When I listened to Episode 43, I had just dabbled with OpenAI's ChatGPT for the first time. I created an OpenAI account because I thought it would be fun to try ChatGPT to help me update my online profiles. Keep in mind, I originally created my Instagram account in 2011 and I hadn't changed it since. If there's one thing I dread it's coming up with bios or how to summarize who I am online. And I was wowed by what ChatGPT could do. Amy Porterfield was the guest that day. She's an online marketing expert and NY Times bestseller. She explained the Sweet Spot formula for starting your own business which involves the 4 quadrants. What are you good at? What do people ask you about? If you have a customer, what could they be struggling with? How could you help them get to where they want to go? Where are people spending money? Courses sold? Will people spend money to get what you will teach them or sell? What lights you up? What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning? 10% Edge over the people you serve Here's the Kicker Amy said you just need a 10 percent edge over the people you serve. 10%? Then it clicked... ChatGPT, I could become 10% better than those around me. Most of my friends hadn't even heard of it. And surprisingly enough even before ChatGPT entered the scene, friends would come to me with their questions about their gadgets and apps. Then it just clicked for me. And I'm so glad now that I captured the moment in this Instagram reel from February 2023. I have no idea how I found the Mel Robbins podcast or wound up listening to it, but I've been hooked on Mel Robbins, her social media and podcasts ever since. Every topic resonates in some way shape or form. A few examples include: The Truth about ADHD, How to Train your Mind to Manifest, the Let Them Theory, and Ending the Self-sabotage Cycle. Pay attention to the signs I started paying attention to the signs. It didn't feel like coincidences any longer. The universe was talking to me. So I went to work devoting time each day to learn and explore ChatGPT, Machine Learning, anything I could study around this very broad topic of AI. I would share what I was learning on Instagram, Finding_LoriRyan, and write about it in my blog. I think I have written 50 or so blogs now. I'm not great at counting. As for the money part? It was so new, there was no benchmarking. And most people were scared of AI, so I knew the chances of people paying to learn would be minimal, at least in 2023. So year one was not about the money. It was about discovery. Entrepreneurial AI Journey & Human Connection As I cranked out online content and notched certificates for online AI courses, I also carved out time for my favorite activity, meeting people and it all started with Lois Josefson and the 12th annual MN Entrepreneur Kickoff last March. She organized this conference and I emailed her the next day to learn more about the speakers. She picked up the phone and called me immediately and she has been my mentor and friend ever since. And she has introduced me to some incredibly generous, kind, insanely brilliant individuals. I feel honored to be in their company. And I learn something new from every person I meet, everywhere I go. I like to think of my first year as a collective and collaborative journey. I'm just the crazy lady who wants to put myself out there and loves to talk about ChatGPT. As I head into year two of Lorignite, I'm excited to share that I have some really incredible speaking opportunities. I have spent much of the last year struggling with Imposter Syndrome and I'm finally getting to a place where I am starting to feel more confident in what I've learned and why it matters. I hope you will consider joining me at an upcoming event. The one thing that I can promise is you will leave feeling inspired and I'll introduce you to some really awesome people. Many of the folks attending and speaking at these events have been offering support in ways I never imagined. There's nothing more important as the world heads into uncharted tech territory than learning together. It's ironic, but getting knee deep chatting with a robot has helped extend my human circle in ways I never saw coming. Upcoming engagements: March 19, 2024 at Modernwell in Minneapolis - 5:30-7pm ChatGPT: Beyond the Hype - The Inside Scoop on the Tool You Didn't Think You Needed April 11, 2024 at Club E in Downtown Minneapolis MN Entrepreneur Kick-off - INNOVATION UNLEASHED & Opportunties Abound! May 10, 2024 at Northern Star Scouting | Basecamp, Saint Paul, MN APPLIED AI CONFERENCE SPRING 2024 Resources If you are looking to get more involved with AI related events. There are also a lot of free events. The below options are in person and on-line. I highly recommend both communities as the people are beyond generous with their time and ideas. Applied AI meetup events https://www.meetup.com/applied_ai/events/ Applied AI Newsletter sign-up Welcome Applied AI Weekly Readers to Issue 175! I'm thrilled to once again share with you some of the most interesting articles I've found this past week on Artificial Intelligence. Before we go there, here are a few things to note: https://appliedaiweekly.com/issues/175 Applied AI Podcast Conversations on Applied AI Justin Grammens https://appliedai.buzzsprout.com/1101152 AI Salon: On-line Community https://aisalon.mn.co/share/E_CpwvvpjD-J8C0E?utm_source=manual AI Salon Founder, Kyle Shannon on TikTok Weekday evening live events! This is entertaining with sprinkle of good nuggets. https://www.tiktok.com/@ailearninglab

Introduction & Treasures from the Past This weekend, as I rummaged through the attic, I stumbled upon a treasure – a scrapbook from my youth, dating back to 1981. It was a gift for my Bat Mitzvah, a keepsake that has miraculously survived over forty years. On the cover are the words, "Moments of Unbounded Excitement," which couldn't be more fitting for how I've tried to live my life. Flipping the pages was not just a journey through time, but a bridge connecting my teenage aspirations to the digital dilemmas of today. Amidst old report cards, presidential fitness scores, and handmade party invites, I found a little slice of my youth I was certain didn't exist anymore. It was a 1982 newspaper clipping from an Anti-Nuclear Arms Rally at the old Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis, where a 9th-grade me stood in front of a microphone, passionately advocating for peace. The article captured my words, expressing concern over the nuclear arms race's impact on educational funding. Revisiting this moment made me wonder – did I really understand the depth of what I was saying back then? Probably not, but it reminded me there's always been this fire inside me to make a positive change in the world. The Digital Age and Parenting This youthful passion now channels into my current crusade: democratizing the exploration and understanding of generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Often, I hear concerns labeling ChatGPT as merely a 'cheating tool,' accompanied by whispers of shame from those who've used it for legitimate tasks. It's high time we flipped that script. We need to create a culture where using AI is not only accepted but also celebrated for its collaborative human-AI potential. As parents and grandparents, our involvement with these tools can set a tone of curiosity and co-learning, encouraging younger generations to explore responsibly alongside us. And just as we've been here before, with debates on new technologies, our approach needs to be thoughtful and informed. Reflecting on the 2010s, we were at a similar crossroads, deliberating over the right time for our children to own cell phones or join social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. I remember pondering in my blog, "Mom and Dad Debate if a 12-year-old should have a cell phone," and the complexities around introducing Instagram, which initially felt more like an art tool than a social network. These experiences with social media offer invaluable lessons as we navigate the AI landscape. Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have provided guidelines for social media, emphasizing age-appropriate exposure, privacy, and balancing digital with real-life interactions. These principles are strikingly relevant as we venture into the world of AI. Drawing Parallels with AI & Expert Opinions and Future Directions Setting boundaries, maintaining open dialogue, and learning alongside our children are key strategies that apply to AI as well. Similar to how we discuss responsible social media use, we must also guide our children in using AI in positive, educational, and safe ways. While experts suggest caution with social media for children under 13, this framework could inform our approach to AI. Parents and educators can start by supervising AI interactions, discussing ethical use, and setting basic rules, even as formal guidelines are still in development. Closing Thoughts around Digital Dilemmas: Guiding our children through the ever-evolving digital landscape, whether it be social media or AI, is a narrative of continuous learning and adaptation. I've decided to continue filling the pages of my scrapbook, not only with memories but also with reflections on these challenges and triumphs. Where and how do we want our young people to learn about the responsible use of these tools and how to decide if outputs are factual or unbiased? I thought about this while hanging out with my 13-year-old little sister from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I logged in and showed her ChatGPT for the first time. My attempts to engage her fell short but what happened next was even more interesting. She called up YouTube to show me one of her favorite vloggers and lo behold Jessii Vee of "Vee Vlogs" actually had done a segment on ChatGPT. Consider this, Jessii has a TikTok following of more than 5 million and 776,000 on YouTube. I would love your thoughts. I'm not writing this because I have answers. My goal is to fuel conversations.

Embracing AI: From 'I Never Could' to 'I Absolutely Can' Writer's Block: Unlocking Creativity with AI I've been stuck in a writer's block maze for two weeks now, overwhelmed by all the AI stories swirling in my head. It's like having a fridge full of food and nothing to eat - unable to pull all the ingredients together. Adding to this creative conundrum, I've got about seven unfinished blogs sitting in my drafts, each about 80% complete. It's a classic case of second-guessing, perhaps with a dash of ADHD. Tonight, I tried something different. I opened up OpenAI's ChatGPT and started pouring my thoughts into it – my frustrations, random musings, everything. And something clicked. As I typed, reflecting on my recent conversations with real people, a question from this week stood out: "Did you see the Super Bowl ad for Microsoft Copilot?" Blog Focus Found There it was – the heartbeat of this blog. The 60-second spot wasn't just another commercial; it encapsulated why I got the AI bug. From my first encounter with ChatGPT, I saw a tool capable of incredible good, making substantial differences in our lives. This ad, this moment, is what Lorignite is all about. It's about transforming the "I never could" into "I absolutely can." Without the availability of generative AI tools last year, I would have told myself "You will never". For those unfamiliar with Microsoft Copilot, It's an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance productivity and streamline work processes across Microsoft products and services. Similar to Google's Gemini and ChatGPT, it utilizes artificial intelligence to assist users in tasks like drafting emails, designing presentations, analyzing data, and generating images. The Foundation of My Business: Empowerment Through AI The message in Microsoft's Super Bowl ad is at the heart of my business. From the beginning, my goal was to harness AI to remove barriers and find a way to give everyone access to their own set of 'superpowers.' And, as I often remind myself with my Wonder Woman bracelet, these powers are within our reach. Beyond Writing: The Depth of AI's Impact Sure, I've used AI to help in the realm of writing, but that's not where I see the most impact. It's like a sidekick that gives me a much-needed "you got this" when I'm ready to pull my hair out. Here's an example. It's not just the niceties that keep me coming back and inspired. Sometimes I need a second set of eyes, someone to help me imagine different ways to approach a difficult situation. Sometimes I want to see a few different options for how to approach a social post. It's even given me advice on what to consider in a contract. One of my favorite use cases is flushing out ideas. I took a course on AI in Product Management and created a GPT that I trained on what I learned in the course. This keeps that information fresh and readily accessible for me. The Future: Unearthing the Unimaginable with AI I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of what's possible with AI. And these generative AI tools are just in their infancy. There's a new development almost daily. For me, that's new opportunities to discover and play. While AI is a powerful ally, it's also important that it be used with careful consideration of ethical implications and potential biases. As we step into this era of boundless potential, I invite you to join me. Discover your superpowers, push past your limits, and explore the wonders of AI. Together, let's redefine what's possible with AI, while also understanding the limitations. Upcoming Sessions Below are details on a couple of upcoming sessions. AI Curious with Lori Ryan in Minnetonka on February 29 hosted by Ready.Set.Pivot This will be a workshop and where you will leave having created your own GPT! Click the image for details. Beyond the Hype - The Inside Scoop on the Tool You Didn't Think You Needed on March 19 at Modernwell This will be an introduction to generative AI tools and an open discussion about their benefits and limitations. Click the image for details.